Phillies add David Robertson to active roster

For the third time in his career, David Robertson is a member of the Phillies’ active roster. The club announced on Sunday that Robertson’s been recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Alan Rangel was optioned to Triple-A to make room for the veteran reliever.

Signed by the Phillies three weeks ago, Robertson’s been down in the minors ramping up. He was eligible to join the Phillies early last week, but he still needed some time before he was ready to throw in the majors. The right-hander pitched on back-to-back days on Wednesday and Thursday, checking off the final thing on his to-do list.

In his first few outings, Robertson’s velocity was a little low. It was better in his last few appearances. The right-hander topped out at 94 mph in his one inning on Wednesday. He faced one batter Thursday, maxing out at 92.6 mph. Altogether, Robertson pitched 5 1/3 innings with the IronPigs in six appearances. He allowed six earned runs, all of which came in back-to-back outings on Aug. 1 and Aug. 3.

Manager Rob Thomson noted last month that he’d be comfortable using Robertson against any pocket of hitters because the reliever’s cutter is a good pitch against both left-handed and right-handed hitters. Pitching for the Rangers last year, Robertson was more effective against lefties (.467 OPS) than righties (.653 OPS).

With Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm currently the setup men in the Phillies’ bullpen with Jhoan Duran as the closer, Robertson, who owns a 2.91 career ERA in the majors with 177 saves in 861 appearances, will likely take on a middle relief role for the Phillies, especially come October.